Special Provision Capital Funding

Local authorities must ensure there are sufficient good school places for all pupils, including those with SEN and disabilities.

In March 2017, the Government committed £215 million of capital funding to help local authorities create new school places and improve existing facilities for children and young people with SEN and disabilities, in consultation with parents and providers.

In May 2018, a £50 million increase to this fund to local authorities was announced, taking the total investment in this fund to £265 million. This capital funding is not ring-fenced and local authorities can use it as they see fit to improve special provision for children and young people with education, health and care (EHC) plans.

This funding can be invested in mainstream schools and academies, special units, special schools and academies, early years settings, and further education colleges, or to make other provision for children and young people aged from 0 to 25.

Local authorities are required to complete and publish a short plan that sets out how they intend to invest their allocation, which is visible to parents, carers and other local groups.